Piano

Thinking of going back to piano. Practiced with the Gypsy Band tonight and it was fun! Here's our version of "Blue Christmas" with me on main vocal:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/zimpjxloe292okg/BlueXmas.m4a?dl=0

Reversed Melodic Extensions

Went over repertoire. Still working on my melodic extensions from the Fewell book and taking my time doing it correctly as best as I can. Working on the first set of melodic extensions in the cycle of 5ths and working on playing them in reverse in order to maximize my possible usage of them. Worked on the E minor one tonight; that one has been fighting me since the fingering is different from the others. I'm anticipating a fight with the F# one next! Trying to get some of my original stuff on ReverbNation, but I must wait for my technologically savvy sin to help with that. 

Healthwise, I fell off the wagon yet again, but the wagon is still in sight and I can climb back on board.

Although I am no longer in the Gypsy Jazz band, they have asked that I sit in one upcoming gig with them since their other guitarist can't make it. So I'll be sitting in a Gypsy Jazz rehearsal of Christmas songs tomorrow. 

Busy Day

Walked my 1/2 hour but ate waaaaay too much pizza. Practiced my repertoire, and I'm still taking my time (trying to do it right) learning my Fewell melodic extensions (including in reverse order). 

The Learning

The learning never stops. Went over repertoire. Went over some melodic extensions and am learning to play one in reverse order. Reminder to self to have the Fewell book in hand when practicing the melodic extensions to not only make sure that my fingerings are correct, but to make sure that I am playing the right notes and following the circle of fifths correctly.

Melodic Extensions

Went over repertoire / continue to try to learn how to use Garrison Fewell's melodic extensions. 

Started vegan diet again today, and walked my 1/2 hour.

Melodic Extensions

Went over my repertoire, but spent most of my practice time trying to get those Fewell melodic extensions on my fingers. Working hard!

Went food shopping today to begin the vegan diet again tomorrow. Will also begin walking 1/2 hour a day starting tomorrow. I hurt my knee walking an hour a day not too long ago. 

Friday

A good Friday practice with most of the band of mostly Christmas songs. "Happy Christmas (War is Over)" by John Kennon remains a challenge, but we are trying to work it out. I really have a blast singing and playing "Merry Christmas Baby" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" (The Bruce Sprinsteen versions). 

Jimmy Reed

Mr. Jimmy Reed. Some of the best blues music as well as best music in general that I love listening to.

Add another page

Went over repertoire; added another page of knowledge regarding the Fewell book. Seem to not look forward to practice, but once I get going, I'm ok.

Rock and Roll band practice tomorrow night.

Wednesday Practice

Did not go over anything new, but at least put forth time into going over repertoire and going over what I've been learning in the Fewell book.

I M P R O V I S A T I O N

I am going to learn this inprovisation stuff. I feel the Fewell book is helping. Will NOT give up. Did you hear that? I will NOT give up. Even when I miss a day or so of practice. That doesn't mean anything. I will get this thing in my hands so I can express myself using guitar sounds in a sonetimes beautiful and sometimes dissonant and sometimes funky way. Will not give up. The commitment and tools are there. 

Tuesday Practice

First of all, I know that the last paragraph of my last post should have been edited, but in not sure why it wouldn't let me edit.

But I had a good practice day: went over repertoire and adding a page of knowledge from the Fewell book. 

! ! Announcement ! !

Very proud to announce that my 17 year old son (who goes by the name "New-Hope") has released his first EP called "Not Tangible" on iTunes:

Not Tangible - EP by New-Hope:

https://itun.es/us/CcRH3

One thing I find cool is that one song is called "Treestars." When he was a small boy, me and him were going to form a band and he wanted to call the band the "Treestars."him were going to form a band,